Very concerned about Vn training....

Re: Very concerned about Vn training....

Rachael_24 — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 20:19:59 GMT

I'm intrigued as to which College this is!

With regards to the essays, the students should have adequate preparation. I believe that the College will be setting the exam but they have to adhere to the guidlines in the syllabus - it will be worth downloading the qualification handbook from the RCVS website. This will be able to tell you which learning outcomes are assessed in which assignment/exam.

APL is where you can use past experiences in order to sign off current competencies. However, the RCVS has made it clear that Level 2 skills (core) and Level 3 skills should be treated separately - for example with the transition students it is not appropriate to sign off skills in the NPL because the students did them in their Level 2 portfolio.

If you are concerned about the support that you (or the students) are receiving then I would recommend that you contact your Primary Centre (new name for VNAC) and speak to the head of department.

Re: Very concerned about Vn training....

Vicky RVN — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 09:20:53 GMT

[quote user="Susan Jackson"]

It's a shame that you don't have faith in the college. Sparsholt college that my students went to (when I was and assessor - not now) were organised to being a bit OCD with things but it worked well.

[/quote] Sadly that was not my experience of the place, nor the experience of my friends.

Re: Very concerned about Vn training....

Susan Jackson — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 12:02:45 GMT

It's the college that set all the knowlege and understanding and the essays. Your responsible for practical aspects of the training.

It's a shame that you don't have faith in the college. Sparsholt college that my students went to (when I was and assessor - not now) were organised to being a bit OCD with things but it worked well.

Do you have to stay with this college is there another one you could use? You also won't get anywhere by not speaking to the tutors and the IV's so I would start with them. Then if your concerns are not addressed speak to the EV.

As far as the essays being difficult, I was in the same boat when I started the diploma thinking I wouldn't be able to answer the essay questions but once you learn the style and how to reference then you just start writing. Some do amazingly well and others like me just write ok. English was never my strong point. The knowlege comes with it but you do need good support.

I hope you get it sorted for your students.

Re: Very concerned about Vn training....

Katie Mansfield — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 09:00:35 GMT

[quote user="PaperTiger"]The vnac's "lecturing" technique is well below par, the svns are handed print outs of power point presentations and their tutor reads off the sheet to them! They don't write their own notes or draw diagrams and i have had 3 students complain to me that their tutors can't answer any of their questions when they are reading about a topic! Many of the svns are talking of making a complaint, my concern is if the course is then pulled. [/quote]

This happened at my college last year. Not VN training, Dip Animal Management. The lecturer concerned was teaching us nutrition. Turned out she was extremely qualified and studying for a MSc in the subject, it was just nerves and stress that made her unable to give lectures. We complained, she went off sick and they got a guy from the HE dept to teach us.

K x

Re: Very concerned about Vn training....

Sal the 1st — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 18:36:11 GMT

[quote user="PaperTiger"]

I looked at the outlines for the essay and it is of university degree standard (i couldn't write it! and i fear my students will struggle)

I would have thought you would require expirience or a few years post qualification work before being able to lecture at a college but it appears not.

[/quote]

Both of these issues I have been accused of wittering on about. Thank you now I know it isnt just me!

the exam is being set way to high for the average general practice and in many cases teaching is being delivered( not always well) by people who have only just qualified themselves.